Matthew 6:33 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
"Seek first his kingdom. . ." For years I have interpreted this verse too literally or too lightly and as a result have seen marginal growth in my relationship with God.
The Marriam-Webster online dictionary defines "first" as "preceding all others in time, order, or importance"
Interpreting this verse too literal has caused me to create a legalistic feel to my individual time with God. "First" before I walk the dog. "First" before I eat breakfast. "First" before I shower. I feel guilty if I do not seek his kingdom before I do anything else in the morning. This self-imposed ordinal requirement has become more important than the content of my time alone with God.
When I interpret Matthew 6:33 too lightly it causes me to spend very little time on seeking his kingdom before moving on to prayers for temporal things. A passing thought might be given to God's majesty, grace or love, but the bulk of seeking was all about the prayer request list, personal struggles, career concerns, etc.
First- "Preceding all others in importance." An importance that far outweighs the trials and tribulations of this world. An importance that eclipses my prayers of supplication. An importance that overshadows any other reason or purpose for time with Him.
First does not mean "B.C."- before coffee or "B.C."-barely considered. Seeking God first is a crying out to, a pleading with God to truly understand Him. To beg Him for his insight and revelation. Only after truly seeking him first will my relationship with God grow and mature.
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